Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

I believe we are all on a journey. Sometimes the road is paved and smooth yet at other times it is one dirt lane and bumpy. The journey is always better with someone who is understanding and on your team! As a student on my way to my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy I can serve to be on that road with you.

I love that counseling is unique to each person because we bring our own stories, feelings, values and points of view to the relationship and I want to utilize that perspective to help bring light into your dark places and understanding to confusing times.

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” 2 Corinthians 4:6

Empathy is different than sympathy… I believe therapy is a welcoming, empathic place to release any burden, to cry, to grieve, to be known and seen. There are also times of joy, laughter and soul searching oh-wow moments! Anything and everything are welcome, and nothing is off limits when there is a safe and welcoming space for us to be human and be heard.

I love hearing peoples’ stories and I utilize a Narrative Therapy approach and have had much personal success with Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Sometimes our thinking (or beliefs) affects our behavior, and CBT is a direct and proactive approach to therapy.

“Be transformed by the renewing of our minds…” Romans 12:2

We can dive in and explore faulty belief systems you may have had since childhood and use psychoeducation to give new language and perspective to behaviors, thoughts and feelings. I also believe in focusing on solutions and strengths such as resilience and courage.

What to Expect in Therapy

I know from experience that beginning therapy we can feel anxious and exciting all at the same time. It is scary to share your story with a stranger! I will be aware of your feelings as we start out and will work to make sure you are as comfortable as possible and answer any questions or concerns with warmth and gentleness. I will also make sure we are a good fit and will work toward establishing your goals and desires for therapy.

The first session or more will be a “getting to know you” phase and it may seem like there is an endless list of questions to answer. The purpose is to establish a good therapeutic relationship and to make sure I truly see you and have an understanding of what it is like to be you! The process will get easier but sometimes it feels worse. Therapy can be like untangling a fishing line that seems impossible but if you are patient and can trust the process great things await!

I also can bring a spiritual aspect to counseling and can incorporate prayer or scripture into sessions if that is something you desire.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

I have worked with adolescents and students for over 25 years with a ministry called Young Life. I love working with families and teens and have led groups for many years as well. I have also worked as a self-employed artist for the past 15 years. I use acrylics to create large contemporary landscapes and love getting lost in a work of art. I bring an artist’s eye to therapy and can incorporate art and creativity into the therapeutic process.

I have taught HIIT and indoor cycle classes for the past 5 years and enjoy leading others in their fitness goals and getting sweaty right along with them!

I have an undergraduate degree from LSU (I am originally a southern girl) in interior design but found myself loving working in ministry, along with my husband, for the majority of my adult life. I decided to go back to school to pursue my graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from Colorado Christian University to gain more tools and be able to work with more of a diverse age group.

Personal Interests

I have been married to my best friend for 21 years and we have 4 beautiful children and 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs who we always say if we don’t agree on anything in our house, we all agree on how much we love our dogs!

My husband and I work together to renovate any and all homes we have lived in, and I still get to use my interior design degree for good! We also serve together with Young Life College at CU Boulder and love sitting with college students and getting to know them and sharing the gospel and our lives with them.

I enjoy all adventures: backpacking, hiking, climbing, fishing and exploring new places. I also love movie nights with our kids, popcorn and M&M’s, snuggled on the couch.